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Civil Society Civil Society Civil Society Section The Civil Society Section is dedicated to empowering civil society actors through increasing their awareness of interna- tional human rights standards, information and strategies, as well as developing their capacities to engage effectively with the UN human rights system. Activities of the Section include: Download Working with the United Nations Human • Sharing information through email broadcasts of Rights Programme: A Handbook for Civil Society and / news and activities of OHCHR and UN human rights join our contact list: mechanisms and mandates http://www.ohchr.org/EN/AboutUs/Pages/ • Development of materials on how civil society actors CivilSociety.aspx / Print : can engage with the UN human rights programme • Capacity building • Tracing trends relating to civil society actors For further information contact: throughout the world Design : • Outreach activities in collaboration with OHCHR Civil Society Section field presences Office of the United Nations High • Advocacy for civil society participation with the Commissioner for Human Rights UN human rights programme Palais des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland Working with civil society to promote and protect human Telephone: + 41 (0)22 917 9656 rights is a strategic priority for OHCHR. Email: [email protected] Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is responsible for leading the United Nations human rights programme, and for promoting and protecting all human rights established under the Charter of the United Nations and international law. OHCHR aspires for a society respectful of all human rights for all people. United Nations Civil Society Human Rights System “A dynamic and autonomous civil society, able to operate cement of human rights. They seek to shape public policies The United Nations human rights system consists of a set of freely, knowledgeable and skilled with regard to human through advocacy and education of government officials, internationally agreed civil, cultural, economic, political and rights bolsters OHCHR’s shared objectives, helps to address politicians, businesses, international organizations, the gene- social rights. The different mechanisms established to promote mutual concerns, and supports the mission of OHCHR.” ral public, as well as other civil society actors. and protect them include: Human Rights Treaty Bodies, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay Civil society actors also work to heal communities at Human Rights Council and its Special Procedures and, the conflict; give voice to the powerless; carry out research and Universal Periodic Review and other mechanisms. OHCHR recognises that durable and sustainable social monitoring; and assist vulnerable populations to claim their These mechanisms provide civil society actors with a unique change comes from civic organization motivated by prin- rights. They work to advance all human rights, including the democratic space in which to participate: contribute exper- ciples of non-discrimination, participation, accountability, right to development. tise; raise awareness about issues; participate in monitoring and respect for human dignity. and implementation of standards, as well as in development Every day in every part of the world, civil society actors— of new standards. non-governmental organisations, community-based organi- “We the peoples...” UN human rights mandates and mechanisms are an invalua- sations, faith-based groups, unions, grassroots and social ble resource to inform civil society strategies for promoting movements, to name but a few—contribute to the advan- (United Nations Charter, preamble) and protecting all human rights for all..
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